Miles of Memories

Traveling. It is something that all of us do on a daily basis whether we realize it or not. From walking to class on the ACU campus to driving for hours to visit family members, we all travel every day. Despite this fact, I never would have thought that I would travel over 4,000 miles and study abroad in Oxford England. Studying abroad has not only helped me learn a lot about myself but also about the world as a whole.

On first arriving in Oxford I was hesitant as to whether or not I would enjoy my study abroad experience because everything here was so different from what I was used to back home. However, these differences have become one of many things that I love about life here in Oxford! Since coming abroad I have grown more independent and have also formed lifelong friendships with my housemates. One experience that I enjoyed was going to London with a group of friends to see a show at the Royal Opera House. It was so beautiful to realize how powerful music can be and how much can be conveyed in a short period of time. Another experience that I will never forget was when I took my fall break trip to Paris, France with my sister. Getting the chance to see the Eiffel Tower in person and experience the typical movie cliche of reading a book on a park bench were some of the moments that made that experience unforgettable. The city of Paris was so beautiful and getting to spend a whole week there allowed me to take my time and enjoy all the city has to offer.

Along with these wonderful memories and moments, something that I will take from studying abroad is that no matter where you are you can see God working. The church that I attended in Oxford, St. Aldates, really allowed me to see that no matter how far away from home you are, God is still present. At church, they would sing songs that I would hear at Praise Day Friday in the Tower of Light or at Midnight Worship. It was moving to see people not only from Oxford but from all over the world coming together and worshiping. Those moments are something that I will remember for years to come and will always carry with me.

Altogether getting the opportunity to visit and see places like Blenheim Palace, London, the Lake District, Edinburgh, and many more I have come to gain a broader perspective of the world and have realized just how much there is left to explore. Deciding to Study Abroad, especially in Oxford, was one of the best decisions of my life and one that I will always be grateful for. Not only has it helped me grow spiritually and culturally but it has shown me that I am capable of more than I had believed and that no matter what you want to accomplish if you put your mind to it, nothing can stop you.

First time at Disneyland … in Paris!